Riding the Spring Breeze Through the Jade Gate

At twenty-two, Yang Liu sets off alone for Xinjiang to fulfill a promise she made to her father. In the Gobi Desert, a sandstorm brings her face-to-face with a mysterious foreigner. He has an East Asian face but speaks only fluent English; he is well equipped, yet elusive and mysterious; he rescues her from danger, but everything he does seems suspicious. Her father’s advice echoes in her ears, suddenly bringing back memories of her national security education. A daring thought takes shape: could he be a spy with ulterior motives? To find evidence, she makes up a lie about a watch and forces her way into his plans. He sees through her act, but remembering The Kite Runner, he plays along and agrees to let her come with him. Their journey begins with lies and suspicion, but in the end, it will lead them to love, belonging, and sacrifice.